UN agency releases films to mark day against sexual violence

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC’s) Country Office in Nigeria is to release three films as part of global efforts to stamp-out sexual violence against women. The film depicts the harrowing experiences of sex trafficking victims and their families, while also beaming critical searchlight on child labour and exploitation.

The United Nations General Assembly had in June last year by consensus agreed to commemorate June 19 as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The three films: Homecoming; Lost children and Kelechi were produced by Homevida, an independent film making entity under the European Union (EU) funded ‘Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria’ project being implemented UNODC in support of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

A statement by Mr Sylvester Tunde Atere of UNODC said, Homecoming portrays the lifestyle of an average, educated family with the desire to have their young daughter school overseas for her undergraduate studies and with the assistance of her aunt, she went to Europe. However, things did not go as planned because rather than the aunt enrolling her in the University as promised to the parents, she seized her travel documents and enrolled the young girl as a sexual commodity to bring financial returns to the aunt.”

The two other films, Lost Children and Kelechi equally depict the harsh realities of child trafficking, child labour, abuse and ritual killing. Specifically, ‘Lost children’ shows the vulnerability of young girls and boys hawking on the streets and the different risks associated with children who are left unguided by adults. These risks include being kidnapped and sold for ritual purpose, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and/or child pornography.

The Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNODC in support of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Immigration Service and a network of civil society organisations.